15 Upbeat Motivational Songs to Help You Chase Those Goals
Inside: Need a playlist of upbeat motivational songs to help you chase your goals when the going gets tough? These songs have you covered.
When I first started thinking about turning my blog into a business three years ago, I was battling some serious impostor syndrome.
What if they laugh at me?
What if it doesn’t make any money?
What if they don’t think I’m good enough?
What if I’m NOT good enough?
Yikes.
I had supportive people in my corner and I learned how to boost my confidence, but there was one other piece I don’t talk about as often that was a real game-changer. Music.
Let’s Talk Motivational Music
As a writer and lover of great stories, I’ve always been attracted to song lyrics. In my youth, I even wrote some truly terrible “moon, soon, noon” lyrics to a song that still regrettably lives in my head.
But great song lyrics, those I’m happy to take up real estate in my brain because music is a gift. There are songs that got me through breakups, songs that were the soundtrack to falling in love, songs that helped me heal from miscarriage, and songs that bring me back to the days my children were born. There are also songs that make me think of the people and places that made me, and songs that simply make me smile.
Then there are songs that get me out of bed in the morning to go chase my big goals.
They remind me that people do hard things every day and that I can too. These songs inspire me, and kick my butt, and do everything a great motivational playlist for entrepreneurs and dream chasers will do.
15 Upbeat Motivational Songs to Keep You Moving
So if you’re ready to dive into some upbeat motivational songs that will give you a boost when your get up and go got up and went, hit play! I hope you find a song (or 10) that resonates with you and helps you get where you’re going.
Fear, Ben Rector
Going after what you want can be scary, but I LOVE the concept of dancing with the fear instead of letting it control you. Thanks, Ben!
“Chase me down outside of Georgia. I was sure that I was done. Something in me would not turn around and run. Heard the lord in California. I remember who I was and I learned to dance. With the fear that I’d been running from.”
Just Like Fire, Pink
Pink ALWAYS brings it when it comes to “I’m a total badass, watch me go crush this” attitude and music.
“Just like fire, burning up the way. If I can light the world up for just one day. Watch this madness, colorful charade. No one can be just like me any way.”
Brave, Sara Bareilles
My daughter uses the song Brave to pump her up before going to gymnastic class, and I use the song Brave when I need to step out of my comfort zone. It’s a classic.
“But don’t run, stop holding your tongue. Maybe there’s a way out of the cage where you live. Maybe one of these days you can let the light in. Show me how big your brave is.”
Good as Hell, Lizzo
Technically a breakup song, but come on. Try turning this song off and not feeling good as hell about everything you can accomplish.
“Boss up and change your life. You can have it all, no sacrifice.”
Unwritten, Natasha Benningfield
There’s something incredibly empowering about knowing you are holding the pen when writing your story. Check out the rest of the lyrics and you’ll find this song brings it with motivation and positive vibes.
“Reaching for something in the distance. So close you can almost taste it. Release your inhibitions. Feel the rain on your skin. No one else can feel it for you.”
Defying Gravity, Wicked
I certainly can’t belt it like Idina, but this is one I definitely rock some carpool kareoke to. Go on, girl. Defy that gravity!
“Too late for second-guessing. Too late to go back to sleep. It’s time to trust my instincts. Close my eyes and leap!”
This is Me, The Greatest Showman
The movie version of this song is amazing, but this version in the video below… Watch it without bursting into tears and being filled with inspiration to be yourself and do your thing. I dare you.
“Look out ’cause here I come. And I’m marching on to the beat I drum. I’m not scared to be seen. I make no apologies, this is me.”
Fight Song, Rachel Platten
I can’t help but fist pump to this song. Need to boost up your belief in yourself and get moving, Rachel has you covered!
“My power’s turned on. Starting right now I’ll be strong. I’ll play my fight song. And I don’t really care if nobody else believes. ‘Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me.”
Just Fine, Mary J. Blige
Need a motivational dance break while you’re working hard chasing some goals? Mary J. Blige has you covered!
“No time for moping around, are you kidding?
And no time for negative vibes, ’cause I’m winning.”
Eye of the Tiger, Survivor
Can I interest you in some Rocky? A list of upbeat motivational songs would NOT be complete without running up a big flight of stairs and air boxing your way to success.
“Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past. You must fight just to keep them alive.”
Roar, Katy Perry
Katy’s twist on Eye of the Tiger will have you dancing around the kitchen ready to go after what you want.
“I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter. Dancing through the fire. ‘Cause I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar.”
Flavor, Maren Morris
I love me some Maren Morris and this song makes my list of upbeat motivational songs because when you’re chasing a big goal, not everyone is going to be into it. No worries, you’re cooking up your own flavor, friend!
“I’m cookin’ up my own flavor. Even if it ain’t your style. You only see one layer. Original could take a while.”
My Shot, Hamilton
Maybe you aren’t fighting for independence from Great Britain, but there’s something universally relatable about not wanting to throw away your shot at making things happen.
“Hey yo, I’m just like my country, I’m young, scrappy and hungry, And I’m not throwin’ away my shot.”
I Lived, OneRepublic
This OneRepublic song is perfect for singing loudly along in the car and reminding yourself to go for it without regrets.
“Hope when the crowd screams out it’s screaming your name. Hope if everybody runs you choose to stay.”
Try Everything, Shakira
Did I fall in love with this song with watching Zootopia a gazillion times with my children? Yes. But is it also a killer song that will give you a boost when you need it the most? Also yes. Thanks, Shakira!
“I keep falling down. I keep on hitting the ground. But I always get up now to see what’s next.”
You’ve Got This!
Want to play these songs whenever you want? Try Amazon Music for your Alexa device. Just holler out “Alexa, Play Fear by Ben Rector” and you’ll be one step closer to dancing with the fear you’ve been running from.
And if you’d like some weekly motivation in your inbox, join the newsletter!
Happy listening (and achieving!)
Read More:
10 Motivational Podcasts for Women with Big Goals
What a fun mix of songs that I am creating into a playlist immediately following my comment! Although it is not motivational I will be adding Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” as it is my go-to song to get me out of a funk! Please keep up with the fun blog posts!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the list, Rachel! LOVE “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” Great kitchen dancing song! 🙂
I love so many of these songs! They definitely give me a major boost.
Glad you enjoyed the list!
Oh, you have some awesome picks! The Mary J. Blige song is on my “motivational” playlist for sure. I love how music can change your mood/’tude!
It really can! This is Me is definitely my #1 go-to on this list.